The Global Innovation Divide

Until very recently, science was not considered a core part of development strategy, especially in the case of the poorest countries. While this misconception is changing, as it changes, it is becoming clear that there is not enough of the critically needed science base to solve a lot of the development problems in the poorest countries. This chapter highlights the causes of this divide as well as steps that can be taken to promote a technological upgrading in low-income countries, whether by the diffusion of technologies from abroad, or by the development of innovative technologies at home.